PRESEASON '26 NFL DRAFT RANKINGS, DEFENSIVE LINE

 These rankings are for my preseason top NFL Draftable players. Off course these ratings are subject to change by year end, but it will be fun to see what the season shows us. As in my Draft analysis, I use my own eyes and metrics to rate players.  I also break down some positions differently than most. I find this very important and the root cause of so many mistakes in the draft process. Even with all the advancements today many, many NFL executives and Draft analysts are still operating in caveman modes of years gone by and failing!!   New for this season I've added a Comments section just for some added context clarifying my opinion on players.

 4-3 DEFENSIVE END

 This group could easily grow into a beast.  Top 3 now and up to 6 of the players have day one potential, at worst day two.

 CLASS GRADE  B+

Rk     Player                           Sch      Ht      Wt      Comments        

1.TJ Parker                          Clem   6-3     265    An improving total package

2.David Bailey                  TxTch  6-3     250    Watch this transfer blow up when featured.

3.Patrick Payton               LSU    6-5     248    He will excel with better coaching this season. Can play 3-4 OLB also.

4.Keldrick Faulk                Aub    6-6     270    Talented kid playing on poor team.

5.Kenyatta Jackson       OhSt   6-5     258     He will bust out now, showed flashes big time.

6.Matayo Uiagalelei        Ore     6-5    270     Wicked athlete. needs tech work to reach potential, could easily move up list.

7.Tyreak Sapp                    Fla       6-2    274     Compact and explosive could move inside in right defense.

8.Dani Dennis Sutton  PennSt 6-6    265     Has not reached athletic potential as of yet.

9.Rueben Bain                  Mia(F) 6-2    275     Another strong, compact rusher who might be best inside.

10.Ethan Burke                Tex       6-6    258      Solid but unspectacular, will lose time to younger player

Others to watch:

  Max Llewellyn Iowa, Zion Young Mo, Derrick Moore Mich, Will Heidt Clem, Keyron Crawford Aub, Anto Saka NWest, TJ Guy Mich, Cashious Howell TxA&M, Marvin Jones Okla, Jayden Virgin-Morgan BoiSt.

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 3-4 DEFENSIVE ENDS 

 This group not as strong as the above group. A couple day two prospects and then roll players

 CLASS GRADE D+

Rk     Player                       Sch       Ht      Wt      Comments        

1.Anthony Smith         Minn     6-6    285      Has all the tools, can be as good as he wants ton be.

2.LT Overton                    Ala       6-5    280      Strong in run game, needs rush work but potential is clear.

3.Caleb Banks                Fla       6-6     329      Would be best here if in shape, could move to NT

4.Beau Atkinson         OhSt     6-6     265       Look for improvement with better coaching.

5.DeMonte Capehart Clem   6-5     315       Athletic for size, holds line, needs rush work.     

6.Aaron Graves            Iowa    6-5     300       Very versatile and well coached, can play all over DL

7.Zxavian Harris          Miss     6-7    320        Active inside could excel at this spot.

8.Kamran James          Fla       6-6    272        Not a full-time starter but would be most places.

9.Devin Eastern           Minn    6-6    310        Thick and powerful, limited athlete needs right scheme-fit. Has versatility.

10.Antony Lucas          USC      6-5   274         Change of scenery was needed for him to live up to potential.

Others to watch:

Keanu Tanuvassa BYU, Damon Payne Mich, Trevion Williams Miss St, Shone Washington LSU, Yilanan Ouattara Vandy

  4-3 DEFENSIVE TACKLE

 As I have said NUMEROUS times, I don't believe in DT's to high in the draft. Several nice day two prospects in this group, solid year for position. 

    CLASS GRADE   B+

Rk     Player                         Sch       Ht     Wt      Comments        

1.Peter Woods                Clem     6-2    315    Could end up a RARE 1st round grade DT for me. No weakness seen as of yet.

2.Gracen Halton            Okla      6-2     284    College NT who can do much more. Great natural rush ability.

3.Zane Durrant             PennSt  6-1     292    Great 1st step, natural disrupter, compact and dangerous.

4.James Smith                Ala        6-3     295     Playing NT has the strength, better here.

5.Chris McClellan           Mo        6-3     320     Thick, powerful, versatile, solid player.

6.Christen Miller           Geo        6-4     305     Playing NT can plat DT or 3-4 DE also maybe better there.

7.Jackie Marshall         Bay        6-3     295     Versatile CFB DE, can play inside or outside,

8.Akheem Mesider      Mia(F)   6-2     280     Compact, quick and powerful, inconsistent at times.

9.Jordam VanDenBerg  GT      6-3     306     Really stepped-up last season, look for more.

10.Aaron Hall                  Dk         6-4     290      Another who jumped last season, he may rise up this list.

Others to watch:

Rayshaun Benny Mich, CJ Fite AzSt, Kam Hamilton Tula, Bryson Eason Tenn, Jahmeer Carter Vir, Damian Ilalio KanSt, Amart McNeil Col. Hosea Wheller Ind.

 NOSE TACKLES

Solid year for position, several players draftable with a few with up to day two potential.

 CLASS GRADE  B

Rk     Player                         Sch       Ht     Wt      Comments        

1.Domonique Orange    IoSt     6-2   325     Thick, powerful, experienced, well coached, ready to play day one.

2.Dontay Corleone          Cin      6-0   325     3 time All Conference, can excel at DT also.

3.Darrell Jackson           FlaSt    6-5  337      Massive mauler, disrupter, long and hard to see over.

4.Tim Keenan                      Ala      6-2   325     CFB DE, needs to move inside, should move with ease.

5.Lee Hunter                     TxTch  6-4    325     Another transfer looking for more exposure, strong, talented player.

6.Damonic Williams        Okla   6-1    320     Rotational NT with wild upside.

7.Albert Regis                 TxA&M  6-1    319     Solid player with DT ability and upside.

8.Cam Ball                            Ark      6-3    326     Playing DT, maybe better here, multi-year starter.    

9.Cole Brevard                    TX       6-3     352     Massive tree stump, hard to move, limited athlete.

10.Jaheim Oatis                Col      6-4     325    Great size and athleticism for position.

Others to watch:

Travis Shaw Tex, Landon Robinson Navy, Jacobian Guillory LSU, Keeshawn Silver USC